The 6-11 forward/center from Texas, drafted No. 2 overall, missed all of training camp after undergoing shoulder surgery and then had to wait his turn behind Zach Randolph and Joel Przybilla (both of whom are now out for the season). Since the All-Star break, however, he has really elevated his game. He had 24 points, 17 boards and four blocks in a March 13 loss at Denver, and 27 points, 14 boards and three blocks in a March 23 win at Atlanta. He also bagged a career-high 30 points in a March 1 win over the Bobcats.

"Ever since the All-Star break, I've been more consistent," said Aldridge, who averaged 14.7 points on 51.9 percent shooting in 15 games in March. "My legs started to get a little tired [before the break]. I didn't do anything during the break. I stayed at my house and rested."

Aldridge's rise is particularly interesting since he was traded by the Bulls on draft night, partly in exchange for the rights to Tyrus Thomas. Chicago could sorely use a big man who can score, and Aldridge so far has shown the ability to hit the pick-and-pop and score in the post off early offense. Some wonder if the Bulls would have been better off keeping Aldridge, at least for the present. The Blazers, meanwhile, couldn't be happier. They feel as if they now have two of the top rookies in the draft in Aldridge and Roy.